Global Concepts Charter School

June 28, 2025

LACKAWANNA - This afternoon, Global Concepts Gators Athletics announced it's updated branding, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Outgoing Interim Director of Athletics Ricky Mazella described this as one of his two "priority projects" for the 2024-25 academic year. The branding package was completed in late January after consultation with the team at VSP Graphic Group, with whom Global has had a long-time partnership. 

"Global has grown as an institution of higher learning and as an athletic entity. It's time that was reflected in our identity," Mazella said. "This updated look allows us to look forward while also acknowledging the heritage of our past." He said that a major point of emphasis was introducing a vibrant green to the color scheme. "When something fresh comes out of a package, it generates buzz. It was my opinion that because the Global community embraces it's identity, I felt the need to embody something that provided renewed school pride." 

He was quick to point out a unique feature of his work as he reflected on the year that passed. "The job is bigger than any one person, personally, professionally, or even as a department. My number one objective was how running this department positively protects the health and well-being of Global Concepts Charter School. While it may seem trivial in passing, I firmly believe I did that through this project above all other agenda items."

Mazella will revert to Assistant Athletic Director on Tuesday. In place of Mazella as the Athletic Director, the current boys' Physical Education teacher, Anthony Novoa, will serve. Novoa is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a BS in Physical Education ('22). "Global deserves to have athletics be a focus. I hope to continue that as we move into this next chapter of the program," said Novoa. "I'd would like to thank Mr. Mazella for his unwavering support during his time at Global, and I look forward to working with him moving into the new school year." 

Novoa is fortunate to have his last two predecessors, Mazella and special education teacher John Klein, still in the building, indeed a rare occurrence at any organization of a sporting nature. "That wealth of knowledge between them is invaluable. It will make the transition process that much easier."